Development of an Industry 4.0 ready JET-ECM system capable of processing multi-materials
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Mechanical Aerospace and Civil Eng
Abstract
Jet Electrochemical machining (JET-ECM) is a modern procedure capable of high precision micro manufacturing. There is a current high demand for new and advanced materials across many areas of industry, and in such context Jet-ECM has the ability to micro-machine new and exotic metal alloys in both hard and soft materials. This research project aims to provide a working Jet-ECM System capable of machining multi-materials. Investigations will be performed to study the machining characteristics on multi-materials as well as various manufacturing techniques such as pitting, cutting and turning. This research will provide valuable information regarding the commercial capability of the process in various industries as well as making a contribution to the knowledge related to Jet ECM.
Publications
Kendall T
(2019)
A review of physical experimental research in jet electrochemical machining
in The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509565/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1843363 | Studentship | EP/N509565/1 | 03/02/2017 | 31/12/2019 | Thomas Kendall |
| Description | Due to the nature of the project, developing a physical system is a major priority. To date, a robust Jet-ECM system has been developed and is in working condition, but in a development stage. The system boasts a larger working envelope than other systems of its type as well as the Industry 4.0 aspect of data transfer and analysis. The majority of research performed has been around the post processing of metallic 3D printed parts, an area I believe to be of increasing importance. Studies have been performed into parts produced by several printing methods, and in all cases the results show improvement in the material surface in terms of roughness and quality as well as an ability to selectively texture part surfaces independant of original roughness. The research has opened up new questions on the ability to machine internal geometries in 3D printed components. There has been success in machining titanium alloys, to further add to the case for Jet-ECM as a post-processing technique for additive manufacturing/ |
| Exploitation Route | The project is being taken forward for another 3 years by both an industry partner and academic institution as it shows great promise. The company are focussing on applications for the technology, especially around processing of additive parts and shows great promise. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Electronics,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Company collaboration partner have seen impacts in their future opportuinites to market and apply the technology. There is interest in application from the biomedical device industry and demonstrtions are underway. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
| Sector | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Collaboration with Blueacre Technology and Trinity College Dublin |
| Organisation | Blueacre Technology |
| Country | Ireland |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Primary research and application studies, Publications, Machine Development |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contributions for material costs and physical infrastructure |
| Impact | Machine development, research output, conference awards. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Collaboration with Blueacre Technology and Trinity College Dublin |
| Organisation | Trinity College Dublin |
| Country | Ireland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Primary research and application studies, Publications, Machine Development |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contributions for material costs and physical infrastructure |
| Impact | Machine development, research output, conference awards. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Irish Medtech Association Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of project at the the IBEC Irish Medtech Association conference, Galway, March 2020 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |